GrammarFicar: Stay, Become, Location
A2Verbs — Core4 min read

Ficar: Stay, Become, Location

Ficar is a versatile verb in European Portuguese meaning to stay/remain, to become (a resultant state), to be located (of places), and to suit/look good on someone.

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PortuStories Editorial

European Portuguese Grammar Guide

Ficar has four main uses: (1) to stay/remain somewhere, (2) to become or end up in a state, (3) to be located (for buildings and places), (4) to suit or look good on someone.

Fica em casa hoje.

Stay at home today.

Ficar = to stay/remain.

Ele ficou surpreendido com a notícia.

He became / was surprised by the news.

Ficar = to become (resultant state).

O museu fica perto da estação.

The museum is (located) near the station.

Ficar = to be situated.

Esse vestido fica-te muito bem.

That dress suits you very well.

Ficar = to suit.

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For locations, ficar is more naturally geographical and permanent: "Onde fica o banco?" is more natural than "Onde está o banco?" when asking about a building's address.

From a PortuStories Story

O hotel fica no centro e ficámos tão cansados que ficámos no quarto a noite toda.

The hotel is in the centre and we were so tired that we stayed in the room all evening.

A2·A Viagem

Practice this in context

Reinforce this grammar point with stories written specifically for European Portuguese learners.